HISTORY OF BRAZIL INDEPENDENCE DAY

Brazil’s history is a complex tale of politics and power. Before the Europeans
arrived, Brazil was populated with Stone-Age tribes. Not much is known about
these settlements as there isn’t a lot of written evidence about their lifestyle. The
Portuguese landed in 1500 and Brazil was claimed by Pedro Álvares Cabral as a
colony of Portugal. In 1532, São Vicente was established as the first permanent
Portuguese settlement and

, in 1549, Salvador was declared as the first capital of Brazil. It became a major
port for sugarcane and slaves. Slaves were brought in from Africa to do labor work
and, through battles and wars, Brazil was able to expand. The Portuguese took
over Rio de Janeiro by defeating the French and captured several Dutch and British
extensions.

Napoleon was attempting to conquer Europe during the early 1800s. In his
absence, French troops invaded Lisbon. Prince Regent John VI set up the
Portuguese Royal Court in Rio de Janeiro to avoid being disposed of.

From 1808, the Portuguese king ruled his vast empire from Rio de Janeiro. After
the Independence War ended, Brazil declared its independence and ceased to be a
Portuguese colony in 1822, becoming the Empire of Brazil. Until 1831, Pedro I
ruled, giving up his throne to his five-year-old son, Pedro II. Years of rebellion
followed this. After a military coup in 1889, the Brazilian Republic was established
and Pedro II was expelled. The territory was renamed the Republic of the United
States of Brazil and was renamed again to the Federative Republic of Brazil in
1967.

BRAZIL INDEPENDENCE DAY TIMELINE

1815
The king authorizes the Prince Regent to rule in his place
The king bestows the authority to rule in case of death or calamity on his son and
heir, the Prince Regent, Dom Pedro.

1820
Portugal’s Constitutional Rebellion causes King Dom João VI to return home
A political revolution led by those who wanted a constitution detailing the people’s
rights was brewing in Portugal — causing the king to leave Brazil and return to
Portugal.

1822
The new nation formally issues its Declaration of Independence on September 22.
The Declaration states that Brazil was independent from the United Kingdom of
Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.

1824
The First Constitution
Brazil adopts its first constitution and the country is recognized by the United
States.

TRADITIONS OF THE DAY

Independence Day celebrations are held on a vast level across Brazil. The day is
marked with military parades and patriotic performances during the day and
fireworks at night in major cities. The national celebration is hosted at the Ministries
Esplanade with the president of Brazil present and spearheading the civil military
parade.

Picnics and other outdoor activities are a tradition, with thousands of Brazilians
gathering on the streets to celebrate together.

WHY BRAZIL INDEPENDENCE DAY IS

IMPORTANT
It marks a day of liberation
From the 16th century, Brazilians chafed under Portuguese dominance. As part of
a monarchy run by King Dom João VI, Brazil was just one more colony ripe for
exploitation. By the 1820s, colonists were ready to throw off their Portuguese
shackles. Today’s Brazilians remember the long fight for freedom with endless
partying and celebrations during Independence Day.
It shows off Brazilian pride in diversity
It’s possible to see every color of the rainbow reflected in Brazilian families. Brazil’s
past shows up in the dark skin of the ancestors of slaves, the fair skin of European
descendents and the red and brown coloring of those with an indigenous Indian
heritage. On Brazil Independence Day, Brazilians of every hue and background
come out to celebrate their love of freedom. It’s also a day to acknowledge Brazil’s
diversity as a unique, cultural treasure.

Samba the day away

Brazilians love to party and Independence Day is just another excuse for fun-loving
folks to come out and play. Strut your stuff on the beach or spend an evening
dancing a sexy samba. And the day isn’t just limited to those who live in Brazil.
Celebrations in New York City pull in a crowd of about 1.5 million people!